Overview & Reviews

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius (from the Latin "to go before") has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers' hybrid models are still in their nascent stages, Toyota's Prius is already well into its third generation. This four-door hatchback hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, spacious cabin, relatively uncompromised driving characteristics and reasonable price.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. Pleasingly, Toyota's solid reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Current Toyota Prius
In its first decade of production, the compact Prius hatchback was the sole version available. But now, a subcompact Prius C, a larger Prius V wagon and a plug-in variant of the standard Prius are offered (and covered in separate reviews). With the introduction of these newer models, the standard Prius is often referred to as the Prius hatchback or liftback.

The Toyota Prius' hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 horsepower, and fuel economy rates an impressive 50 mpg combined.

There are four Prius trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five. Standard feature highlights for the Prius Two include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Three adds a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and a navigation system. The Four gains a power driver seat, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo. The Five has larger alloy wheels and advanced LED headlamps. Options vary depending on trim level, but include a solar-powered ventilation system, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, a head-up display, an upgraded navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.

Under full acceleration, both gasoline and electric power sources work together to provide maximum propulsion. In stop-and-go traffic, the Prius usually runs on battery power alone, which maximizes fuel economy. Under deceleration, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recharging the car's batteries. As expected, performance is far from exciting, but adequate for passing and merging onto highways. The Prius' space-efficient hatchback body provides a surprisingly roomy backseat and cargo area, making it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV. The Prius' main downsides are a potentially uncomfortable driving position for taller drivers, excessive road noise and disappointing interior materials quality.

Used Toyota Prius Models
The current third-generation Toyota Prius debuted for 2010. Its general shape remained largely unchanged compared to the previous generation, though the sheet metal took on a more sculpted character. The interior received a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack and the hybrid system display relocated high on the dash. It's also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel, though still not great. Changes have been very minor since. The pre-2012 models lack a few features offered on later versions such as power front seats and the Entune smartphone integration system.

The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-'09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius' hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 hp and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.

Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today's Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.

During its successful tenure in Toyota's lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer "sport" suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.

In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.

The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable.

Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius' powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.

User Reviews:

• 

  Good car, but make sure its right for you - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Paul - May 15 - 5:50 am

  I ended up with a Prius due to a strong, strong recommendation from a family member who swears by them. I took a data-driven approach to justifying the purchase, showing that the Prius is the car the minimizes lifetime cost for a set of safety, reliability, and size characteristics. Here the Prius has lived up to my expectations. So yes, the Prius does often make sense for your brain. However, make sure that its really the car that you actually want too. A bunch of things beyond the numbers really bug me about it. The outside is really ungainly, and the insides high contrast color scheme isnt my style. The center speedometer I thought would be fine, but when I hold my hand around 2 oclock on the steering wheel, my hand blocks it. Without a doubt the Prius is an incredibly well engineered car, but thats not all there is to a car purchase. If I were doing it again, Id choose one of the many other cars that is also well engineered but looks and feels a bit more conventional.

• 

  Used 2007 Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By hadrian - May 12 - 3:42 am

  Purchased used in 2/12 for $ 10,300.with 66k. Have driven for 1 year, now have 80k on vehicle. Has performed well in daily commute avg 40-43 mpg 30 mile round trip daily. Maint. costs very low, replaced frt pads, air filter and changed oil twice; thats it. Put snows on front and performs okay in up to 4" of plowed snow. Beige interior not best looking and shows dirt and/or stains; get something darker. Overall no regrets; will have a long time; prob give to daughter for longer commute out of town for two yr masters.

• 

  Feedback after 20,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Geo-Green - May 10 - 1:20 am

  I am motivated to review the Prius again (after having the car for over a year and a half) because so many people are now interested in the car -- thanks to higher fuel prices. Regarding the mileage: It is always exceptional but will fall short of the EPA parameters especially in the heat of the summer when the AC is on. I drive a mix of congested local and highway. When very hot outside, the "worst" mileage is 44 mpg. The very best mileage? I am now averaging 54 miles per gallon in temperate weather. There are ways to improve your fuel economy and as one gets acclimated to the hybrid engine, mileage should improve even more. Its both patriotic to country and greener for our planet.

• 

  Glorified Tin Can - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 49er fan - May 9 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car as a third vehichle for myself- basically to run back and forth to work in and for errands. I certainly did not buy it for its looks going in, but for fuel economy. This car did not deliver as advertised. I am averaging about 35 MPG highway/city driving- not the 50 MPG+ as advertised. I feel sorry for those who have this car as a primary vehichle- it is very uncomfortable after 1/2 hour- seats are hard and headroom is poor. The car is very slow merging on the freeway and keeping up with traffic. Very noisy at speeds of 60 MPH plus The "check engine" light came on, but dealer could not find anything wrong. This is a good car for a teenager or for short trips only.

• 

  ching ching! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By kramerica - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its all about the money, admit it! This is my first car and itll be hard to top this. I wanted a great ride with some great mileage. I purchased my silver prius in july and have gotten a lot of oohs and ahhs. More importantly, Ive gained a couple things. One, incredible gas mileage in a brand Ive come to respect. Two, how much I really drive and my driving style. Those two have resulted in better mileage, savings in money, and a more comfortable ride. In general, a great car for a first time buyer. And if that aint enuff, its super clean and you get a tax break, unbelievable!

• 

  MPG - Yay! Everything Else - Meh. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By missmytsx - May 8 - 9:22 am

  Toyota has made one efficient vehicle here. I achieve 45 - 55 mpg without really trying. In fact, I drive %100 of the time in "PWR" mode just to give this car some small modicum of driving enjoyment. But its very small. This car, simply put, sucks all the enjoyment out of driving. It is painfully slow. Those who claim it is not slow have probably not driven a normal car in a quite a while. It is very loud - lots of road and wind noise. At highway speeds Ive got to crank the radio nearly full blast just to hear the music or speech. If high real-world MPGs is your one and only criterion, then you cant do better than the Prius.

• 

  HUGE Blind Spot - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lee M - May 8 - 5:33 am

  The 2010 model has improved in adding more interior space; however in doing so, a blind spot of 2 feet on both sides of the rear corners were created. Another trouble with visibility is from the bar the rear windshield wiper is attached to. There is a vent in the back corner that cannot be blocked so a passenger cannot use a pillow to lie on. The seats are rock hard, the steering wheel is positioned too far away. The low beam headlights dont shine upward (the beam is cut in half) so it is impossible to view the road in front of you if you are driving up or down a hill. Mileage hangs out at an avg of 47. The blind spot must be fixed in a new model for me to purchase another one.

• 

  I love my 2007 Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Paula - May 5 - 7:00 am

  I just brought my Prius 3 weeks ago. We took a trip to Houston and I went 227 miles before the 1st fuel block moved. I went 527 miles and I still had a little over half a tank. I went around 747 miles before I put more gas in the car because we were on our way back home from our weekend trip and wanted to make sure we had gas going on the back roads. I was very impressed with the mileage. The seats comfort was okay I moved around a little to get comfortable and I am 6"1. My husband had plenty of room. It said we average 54.2 miles while on that trip i tried to stay around 65 miles per hour. I am enjoying the prius. I traded in my 07 Yaris for safety reasons (smaller car). Glad I did it!

• 

  Not Getting Acclaimed Mileage IV - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bev - May 3 - 2:30 am

  Interior is roomy. Quality of leather installation is poor though tolerable. Friends are surprised how much power it has. However, have to buy extra component for true ipod integration $320. Cannot control Ipod/phone via radio/bluetooth without it. Mileage is not good: 38 city so far. I drive pretty cautiously, and yes I pulse,not impressed with this mileage. Any ideas would be appreciated. Will drive for about 3 yr and then upgrade to hopefully some better fuel economy hybrid model from somewhere else.

• 

  Prius review 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Cathy Meiklem - May 2 - 7:53 pm

  Gas mileage is not what they report. Ive driven 6000 miles and the best Ive gotten on a tank is 45 mpg. I have the fully loaded car and love the high tech blue tooth and navigation. Car is fun to drive but dont expect luxury, interior is nothing special and not easy to clean. The material they use for the dash is very difficult to clean. Im hoping they start to make a model with leather. Even with the slight drawbacks I would still buy this car again.